With so many beautiful, well-designed toys and amusements out there, it's difficult to justify Tickle Me Elmo. After all, if you're going to have playful objects strewn about, why not make them attractive? Here are 20 picks for a stylish playroom that both you and your children will enjoy. — Stephanie from Stephmodo

If there were an award for prettiest toy, it would go to this one. It's such a wonderful way to show off a love for color and color theory at home. Designed by a renowned artist and education expert, this colorful set is an excellent addition to the Brinca Dada collection.

Alphabet blocks are the classic toy that no playroom can do without. If a second language is spoken in your home, these are the perfect blocks to use for learning words and letters. I was amazed at how many languages are offered: Arabic, Polish, German, Danish, Cherokee, Greek, Maori, Korean, etc.

This is definitely an outdoor toy, but consider storing it inside, propped up against other toys on a modern shelf or hung on the wall. It's just so darn attractive — that neon! It would be a shame to tuck one of these slingshots away.

Some toys, like these gorgeous walnut blocks by Brinca Dada, simply aren't meant to be pieced together perfectly. Certain children (and adults), will appreciate a more spontaneous building session — one that looks different every single time. I also just think that they are downright gorgeous.

My heart went pitter-patter when I spotted this sweet but modern dollhouse. It is a delightful addition to any little girl's world. When unused, simply store the dolls and furniture inside the house, and then flip it around so that only the clean side is visible.

I am always on the hunt for clever, classic toys that can keep the kids amused for long periods of time (particularly in the winter months when the park is not an option). This wooden bowling game stole my and my kids' hearts quickly. You'll be shocked at how inexpensive it is too. In fact, everything over at Little Alouette is top notch.

It's certainly a toy (and I hope your children use it as such), but this giraffe will look awfully sculptural on the shelf as well. I highly recommend keeping this one in full view at all times, as it adds a fun look to any play space.

This is a wonderful collection of toys. I'm very proud to have one of my teepees included in this list of picks. That on teepee barely scratches the surface of all of the options available in my shop. http://theteepeeguy.etsy.com

I have in stock , made to order and custom listings in my shop in a rainbow of colors and fabrics. Use coupon code houzz5 to save 5% on your order at checkout.

I guess I have a hard time embracing the "minimalist" idea that your kids toys have to "Match" your "décor". Your kids are only in your home for a few short years and playing with toys for an even shorter time.

Seriously--let them have fun and chuck 'em--the toys that is!--in a bin when they are not actively playing. The kids and your sanity will thank.you.

My youngest is a designing engineer of complex projects that bear an uncanny resemblence to some "Modern sculptures" and he tells me that the freedom he was given to play with--and take apart--things is what sparked this career. He was given old radios, telephones; the frame of the old metal swing set; old dog house and other cast off's to play with; rebuild and re-design. One of the most re-done items? The frame of a spring horse! That became every fort; castle; hide out and tank you could imagine. I would seek things at yard sales for him so he DIDN'T take apart our stuff to find out how it worked! Oh and at age 11 he could do a brake job---and rebuild an engine with supervision.

These are real pretty and I am sure my grandkids would love some of them but--we are already letting them take apart things!